Dear MHNIG members,
In Canada, individuals between the ages of 15-24 years face significant concurrent disorders (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario [RNAO], 2016). Approximately 10%-20% of Canadian youth are affected by mental illnesses and substance use disorders, such as depression, anxiety and polysubstance use. Furthermore, suicide is the leading cause of death with this age group. However, only one in four affected receive mental health services due to multiple barriers such as lengthy wait times for crucial lifesaving services (RNAO, 2016).
Bill 63, ‘Right to Timely Mental Health and Addiction Care for Children and Youth Act, 2018,’ was introduced in an effort to advocate for a timely mental health and addiction services for our children and youth. Bill 63 will be going through a second reading on February 21, 2019 between 1:30 and 3:30 at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. You can read the bill here: Bill 63.
Let’s work together to show our support for this bill through any/all of the following ways:
- Sign and circulate the petition: https://www.bhutilakarpoche.ca/donewaiting
- Join Bhutila at the debate during the second reading. Register here to attend: https://www.bhutilakarpoche.ca/second_reading_support_bill_63
- Follow Bhutila (@BhutilaKarpoche) on social media and the #DoneWaiting campaign leading up to the second reading of the bill
- Contact your MPP and urge him/her to support Bill 63. Click here to obtain your MPP’s contact information: https://www.ola.org/en/members/current/contact-information
- Personalize and send the letter below to your MPP
Sincerely,
The MHNIG Executive
Dear MPP *add name,
I am a constituent in your riding and I am writing you today to urge you to vote in favour of Bill 63, Right to Timely Mental Health and Addiction Care for Children and Youth Act, 2018.
The second reading of Bill 63 is to take place on Thursday, February 21, 2019. By capping wait times for children and youth seeking mental health and addiction services at 30 days, we will save lives.
**ADD YOUR OWN STORY, such as the one shared below**
I am aware of a 20-year-old woman who died by suicide weeks after seeking treatment and being told the program she needed to attend was not available. The family believes that had she received timely treatment, she would still be with us today.
Our kids can’t wait. We need change and we need it now.
Right now in Ontario, one in five young people are living with mental health disorders that significantly impact their lives, and the lives of those around them. 12,000 children and youth are currently stuck on wait lists to access mental health services, with communities’ average wait times between three months and a year and a half. This is too long. When mental health issues are addressed earlier in life, the care and services provided are more effective and children and youth sustain less trauma in the interim. Earlier intervention, which happens through investment in youth mental health services, gives young people a better chance at a healthy life.
Ontario children and youth deserve timely and effective mental health treatment when and where they need it. We need you to help us advocate for our children and youth.
I would like to know if you will be voting in favour of this Bill, and if not, why. I look forward to hearing back from you on this very important, pressing matter within the week.
Sincerely
**YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS/CONTACT INFORMATION**
References and Resources
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (n.d, 2016). 1.1 Mental Health, Illness and Substance Use Among Youth. Retrieved from: https://ymhac.rnao.ca/section-one/1.1
The video of the announcement of intent to table (press conference): https://www.bhutilakarpoche.ca/ndp_tables_bill_for_30_day_max_waits_for_youth_mental_health